Steering Knuckle Snap Ring Spindle Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering knuckle assemblies lack flexibility in spindle positioning, which limits their adaptability for various vehicle configurations and brake disc packaging, and they often require complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A steering knuckle assembly that includes a spindle and snap ring system, where the spindle can be positioned at multiple locations through a hole in the steering knuckle, with a snap ring that expands into grooves to securely fix the spindle, allowing for axial inhibition and improved brake disc packaging without complex manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed spindle positioning system is used in traditional steering knuckle assemblies, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability for various vehicle configurations and brake disc packaging is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespindle positioning flexibilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering knuckle casting is segmented with multiple holes positioned at different locations, allowing the spindle to be installed at various positions. This segmentation of the mounting structure enables multiple axle drop options without requiring completely different knuckle designs, thus improving adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The steering knuckle casting is designed as a universal component with multiple pre-positioned holes that can accommodate spindles at different locations. This multi-functional design allows a single knuckle casting to serve multiple vehicle configurations and brake disc packaging requirements, enhancing versatility without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a spindle is fixedly positioned in traditional steering knuckle assemblies, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate multiple axle drop options is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle drop option flexibilityVSAvoidspindle retention security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed spindle positioning to a selectable positioning system where the spindle can be installed at different holes based on requirements. The snap ring provides dynamic retention that secures the spindle at its chosen position, allowing flexibility in axle drop options while maintaining reliability through positive retention at the selected position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The snap ring acts as an intermediary retention mechanism that secures the spindle in the hole. It provides reliable retention by engaging with the hole structure, ensuring the spindle remains securely positioned while allowing the system to accommodate multiple positioning options through selection of different holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a forged spindle is used in steering knuckle assemblies, then the strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost and process simplicityVSAvoidspindle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adopts a machined spindle from bar stock instead of an expensive forged spindle. While forged spindles offer superior strength, machined spindles provide adequate strength for the application at lower cost and manufacturing complexity. This substitution aligns with using a more economical manufacturing approach when full forged strength is not strictly necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing method of the spindle changes from forging to machining from bar stock. This parameter change in the manufacturing process reduces complexity and cost while still producing a spindle with sufficient strength for the steering knuckle assembly application, trading some strength for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a flexible spindle positioning system that allows for multiple axle drop options with a common steering knuckle casting, enhancing brake disc packaging and reducing manufacturing costs by enabling the spindle to be machined from bar stock rather than forged.

Implementation Method 1

The snap ring may be disposed in the knuckle snap ring groove and the spindle snap ring groove to inhibit movement of the spindle with respect to the steering knuckle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9096259B2Steering knuckle assembly with snap ring spindle retention and a method of manufacture

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

A steering knuckle assembly and a method of manufacture. The steering knuckle assembly may include a steering knuckle, a spindle, and a snap ring. The snap ring may be disposed in snap ring grooves in the steering knuckle and spindle to inhibit movement of the spindle with respect to the steering knuckle.